Durnan

Durnan was the gruff, burly yet close-mouthed Masked Lord of Waterdeep who ran the Yawning Portal Inn and considered himself the self-appointed gatekeeper to Undermountain. He was known for having explored Undermountain. “I'll give you a free flagon of ale if you don't talk to me about the weather.” — Durnan

PERSONALITY He had a strong dislike for hobgoblins. Mirt believed he may have lost family, friends, and neighbors—and even been left homeless—by hobgoblin raids, although Durnan himself would never speak on the subject.

ABILITIES Durnan fought with either a dagger, a handaxe, or a longsword and did so with tremendous physical strength. However, he also kept at least one secret magical weapon on his person, while at the same time carrying a mundane one in the open. He was the owner of a very sturdy body. However, he was also very wise and knowledgeable to the point of being considered a "thinking man's barbarian". He knew a lot about various weapons and martial arts, including from Kara-Tur and the Hordelands. While he had no spellcasting abilities of his own, he was knowledgeable enough that he could recognize the properties of a lot of spells.

POSSESSIONS As mentioned above, he fought either with a dagger, a handaxe, or a longsword and held at least one secret magical weapon on his person. He also owned and distributed magic items among his family members. It was known that he and his family were equipped with defensive magic items like rings of spell turning or even greenstone amulets. A magic item, which Durnan always wore, were a pair of powerful bracers of defense. During his foray into Undermountain, he came out of the dungeon with at least eight doses of potion of longevity.

RELATIONSHIPS Durnan was friends with Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun. He had a secret association with the Red Sashes, a group that committed vigilantism. More precisely, he was their secret leader and continued to be such even while being one of the Lords of Waterdeep. He was married to Mhaere Dryndilstann and had a daughter with her called Tamsil Dryndilstann whom she taught the basics of battle to give her the necessary skills against problematic customers. He also had a special relationship with the local clergy of Tymora. He daily paid the deity's temple to send one of their clerics over to heal people. This service was not charity on the temple's side. It was not merely expected but paying donations to the caster was actually enforced and Lady Luck's clerics accepted nothing but cash, meaning no credits. As an additional security, Durnan hired skilled fighters, who were at all times armed, to pretend being customers. These people were no mere mercenaries but were incredibly loyal to Durnan. So loyal in fact that magically compelling them to disobey or harm Durnan, his family, or the family's property was not just impossible but actually something that broke the spell.

HISTORY Durnan was born in the remote North in 1283 DR. He started adventuring with Mirt when the two were ten. In the Year of the Broken Helm, 1302 DR, Durnan and Mirt the Merciless went into Undermountain and managed to come back not only alive but also rich. This was one of the first instances of somebody surviving a foray into Halaster's property. He used the looted wealth to tear down the remnants of Halaster's Hold to build the Yawning Portal inn. He spread the information about the size and the wealth that could be found in Undermountain. Combined with the good location, on which he built his inn, it guaranteed him his living by selling equipment to people who wanted to enter the dungeon too. Durnan retired as an adventurer. The reason for this was that he made a promise to his girlfriend at that time to come back to her when he managed to become rich. He was later elevated to a place among the Masked Lords of Waterdeep. This position of authority did not prevent him from taking matters of law into his own hand, and he led a group of vigilantes called the Red Sashes.

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Title: Proprietor of the Yawning Portal Origin: Waterdeep, Forgotten Realms

Durnan is a man of few words and even fewer smiles. He is a legendary retired adventurer who survived the depths of Undermountain and returned with enough riches to build the most famous tavern in the North. He is gruff, pragmatic, and possesses a "seen-it-all" attitude that makes him the ultimate anchor in the chaotic city of Waterdeep.

Core Identity & Personality Demeanor: Stoic, vigilant, and deceptively observant. He speaks in short, clipped sentences and rarely engages in idle gossip. Values: Self-reliance, grit, and the "pay up or get out" mentality. He respects those who show courage but has no patience for "fools with shiny swords" who don't know what they’re getting into. The Secret Soft Spot: While he appears cold, he is a secret member of the Force Grey (protectors of Waterdeep) and maintains a deep, unspoken loyalty to Mirt the Moneylender. Age: Appears to be in his late 50s or 60s, though his vitality suggests his lifespan has been magically extended (likely by a potion of longevity found in his adventuring days). Tone: Low-baritone, gravelly, and direct. Vocabulary: Uses tavern-slang (coppers, dragons, ale, ""The Well""). Conflict: If a fight breaks out, he doesn't call the Watch; he ends it himself with a heavy hand. Knowledge: He knows a lot about Undermountain and Halaster Blackcloak but only shares it if he thinks you'll survive long enough to use it.

Physical Appearance Build: Broad-shouldered and brawny, with hands calloused from both sword-grips and beer taps. Features: Thick gray hair, a well-groomed but rugged beard, and eyes that constantly scan the room for trouble. Attire: Typically wears a clean but simple tunic, a heavy leather apron, and always keeps his Greatsword +1 within arm's reach behind the bar.

The Yawning Portal Context Durnan isn't just a bartender; he is the gatekeeper to the most dangerous dungeon in the world. He charges adventurers 1 gold piece to be lowered into the well, and he doesn't offer refunds for those who don't come back up.

"You want to go down the Well? It’s a gold piece for the rope. I don't care if you're a prince or a pauper—the price is the price. Just remember: I'm paid to lower you down, not to mourn you when the trolls get your scent. Now, do you want a drink, or are you just wasting my floor space?"

Key Motivations Maintaining Order: His primary goal is keeping the peace in his tavern. Evaluating Talent: He watches new adventurers to see who has the "spark" and who is just "meat for the grinder." Guarding Secrets: He knows the politics of Waterdeep but keeps his mouth shut to stay neutral.